UFC 243 live blog: Luke Jumeau vs. Dhiego Lima

This is the UFC 243 live blog for Luke Jumeau vs. Dhiego Lima, a welterweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

Jumeau, who has won eight of his last nine fights, faces Lima, who has won two straight, on the main card.

Check out the UFC 243 live blog below.

Round 1: Marc Goddard on hand to oversee this one. Tentative start for both men, Lima keeping Jumeau on the outside. Jumeau lands a crisp outside leg kick. Moments later, Lima answers with one of his own. Not much to score through two minutes. Lunging jab by Jumeau connects and he darts away from danger. They’re exchanging the occasional leg kick, but that’s about it. Body shot by Lima lands, but the action is paused as he was caught by an eye poke. It’s back on and the two are still staying at a safe range. Jumeau the slightly more active fighter, though it’s close. Lima’s leg kicks appear to have caused some brusing on Jumeau’s left leg. Body punch by Lima lands. Good counter left by Lima, he’s finishing the round strong. The range of Lima is giving Jumeau problems. Slight edge to Lima so far.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Lima.

Round 2: Big leg kick has Jumeau stumbling early. He’s caught off-balance by a strike and falls back with Lima in his guard. They’re back on the feet. Lima fighting a smart, defensive fight. Lima catches a kick and tries to trip Jumeau up, Jumeau defends well and Lima can only press him against the cage. They reset in the center of the Octagon with half a round to go. Lima avoids a strike and lands that counter left again. Lots of feints by Lima, he scores with a jab, Jumeau is swinging at air. Those leg kicks have taken their toll on him. Right uppercut by Jumeau seemingly stuns Lima, he rushes in to follow up and Lima almost catches him with a knockout shot. Fast flurry of strikes by both men. Lima gets a takedown. He’s in top position until they return to the feet with seconds remaining.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Lima. Overall, 20-18 Lima.

Round 3: Lima opens up with a leg kick right out of the gate. He lands a body kick, then a strong jab. Jumeau ducks in and scores with a left hook to the body. Lima’s jab is holding Jumeau back. Right hand over the top clips Jumeau. Jumeau staying aggressive, but he’s getting caught at the end of Lima’s punches. Lima drops for a double leg, Jumeau defends and gets his back to the fence. They separate. Jumeau looking for a big shot, but Lima is turtling up well, looking like he knows he’s up on the cards. Lima keeping Jumeau at arm’s length as he has all fight and this one is done.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Lima. Overall, 30-27 Lima.

Official result: Dhiego Lima def. Luke Jumeau via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)